Great Falls dealership donates vehicle to Rocchi family

Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Great Falls donated a 2007 Jeep Liberty to Phil and Irene Rocchi after staff members read an article about them in the Tribune. The Rocchi's only reliable vehicle was stolen while Phil was at work last Thursday.(Photo: COURTESY OF JOSH COPELAND)

After a week of uncertainty from having their car stolen, the Rocchi family is finally able to breathe after a local dealership donated a vehicle to them.

Staff at Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Great Falls heard about the Rocchi's story published in the Tribune earlier this week, and felt compelled to support the family in this time of need. Dennis Black, a warranty administrator with the dealership, brought the article to General Manager Brian Belderrian and asked if there was any way they could help.

"We're always giving to the community," said Josh Copeland with Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Great Falls. "Especially for family problems and this was a pretty unique case, this family had some pretty rough luck."

Last Thursday, the Rocchi's 2002 F-150 pickup was stolen while Phil Rocchi was working. Law enforcement was able to track down the vehicle a few days later, but the pickup was trashed.

After assessing inventory, the dealership identified a 2007 Jeep Liberty as an affordable and reliable vehicle for the Rocchi's and donated it to them.

"It met their needs and everything they needed in their next vehicle," said Copeland.

In addition to the generosity of the dealership, numerous residents inquired about how to support the family at this time.

"We are so grateful," wrote Irene in an email to the Tribune. "I still have to get a vehicle because we work different shifts but we (will) work on that next."

Law enforcement found the Rocchi's stolen pickup near the Centennial Village Apartments on Great Falls' west side after friends and family of the Rocchis spotted the pickup driving around town. The vehicle was locked and unattended when it was found, and the culprit has not been identified by police, according to Irene.

Upon unlocking the car, the Rocchis discovered their pickup had been trashed and their personal items had been stolen. Irene said the pickup now backfires and doesn't shift properly.

"The right tire sounds like it wants to fall off; they just trashed it," said Irene. "I don't even think it's safe to drive."

It looked bleak last Thursday, a day after Phil had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, when the couple's 2002 Ford F-150 was stolen while Phil was working his shift at the Staybridge Suites.

Phil bought the vehicle a few months ago and recently finished paying it off.

Great Falls Police said that car thefts are becoming more common in Great Falls and warned residents not to leave the car unlocked or idling in a driveway or parking lot.

Both Phil and Irene work in town. Phil works full-time at Staybridge Suites, and Irene works part time at Sam's Club.

The stress of losing their vehicle went beyond transportation to work as both didn't have a way to make it to their medical appointments or pick up their prescriptions. The couple had to cancel several medical appointments this past week. Irene has pulmonary fibrosis and gets around primarily in a wheelchair. Phil also suffered a stroke in May. Both Phil and Irene have diabetes.

The Rocchis couldn't afford to make a down payment on a vehicle anytime soon on top of their medical and living expenses. Phil's 13-year-old daughter started middle school recently and the Rocchis haven't been able to take her back-to-school shopping. Luckily, she can catch the bus to and from school.